Well-known Prestatyn statue to be relocated

A Prestatyn statue is to be moved as part of improvements to a shopping area.

The Mother and Child statue has been removed from Prestatyn High Street Precinct where upgrading works are currently taking place and is currently being repaired in preparation for its relocation opposite Prestatyn Bus Station.

Created by ceramic artist and designer Norman Makison, the statue, will be realigned and stand on a new plinth in-line with its original design.

It was originally hoped it could be relocated on the corner of High Street and Penisardre Road, near the town’s clock.

Cllr Paul Penlington said: “The location by the clock wasn’t possible as there are too many cables and pipes under there, the statue would prevent any repair work that might have been necessary in the future.

“The whole precinct area is a bit shabby now, so we’re moving the statue to a better location and improving the precinct at the same time to make it a more attractive space that can be used for small events.”

Work on the precinct is already underway, and alongside the statue’s relocation, re-surfacing work and lighting improvements are also taking place.

Cllr Janet Szabo, Mayor of Prestatyn said: “The statue has been targeted by vandals a number of times over the years, perhaps if it is in an enclosed area and covered with anti-vandalism paint, the new location will make it more visible and make it a more striking and prominent central feature of the High Street.”

Cllr Szabo and Cllr Penlington plan to hold an unveiling of the statue later this month and ae keen to trace the wife of its designer.

Mr Makison died in 2010 but his wife Kathleen, herself a notable silversmith and jeweller, is understood to have lived until very recently in Denbigh. Cllr Szabo said: “We would really like to invite Kathleen to the unveiling but unfortunately we don’t have a forwarding address for her.

I understand she has moved to the Llyn Peninsula area so if anyone can put us in touch we’d be very grateful.”

Anyone with information should call Cllr Szabo or Cllr Paul Penlington at Prestatyn Town Council on 01745 881952.